I visited Portmeirion last week and it is so beautiful. The colours are so bright and the village is very well looked after. There were several electrical charging points in the car park and parking is very well organised and it's free. I need to see it all again soon
Thank you Tudor for your most interesting vlogs..as a 19 year old student I first made the journey up to Portmeirion from Cardiff on my oily bsa motorbike in 1972 having watched the original run of the series in 67. Arriving at the car park which was still under construction I hopped off the motorbike to find myself facing Sir Clough Williams-Ellis himself as he supervised a team uprooting tree stumps..he looked keen to engage me in conversation as I did look a bit of a mystery but alas I was so lacking confidence in the presence of the great man I lost my nerve and slunk away..biggest mistake of my life so far..now at 70 I would move heaven and earth to have conversed with him...bcnu
What a brilliant story. At 19 though, did you know CWE and his connection to Portmeirion? Oily BSA - I bet that was a fun ride too! I’d wonder if CWE was interested to see a ton up boy arriving on the site. 👍
Hello Tudor, yes I had read up about the location and mastermind of the wonderful Village so I did recognise Sir Clough when face to face..a great man and a heroic man having won The Military Medal I believe in WW1...actually although the general consensus is that Paddy Mcghooan stayed in the white horses residence during his stays at Portmeirion during filming my cousin who at the time of filming ran the general stores in Llanbedr recounted to me as I popped in on my way to The Village on my first trip in 1972 that he stayed in a rented house around the corner from her store in Llanbedr and came in to purchase Irish whisky (no food) occasionally..a car used to come and pick him up very early morning if he was filming otherwise he stayed in and put out the empty whisky bottles on the front doorstep aka milk bottles....p.s. above the Village are the woods belonging to the estate and are known as The Gwylt. The trees there are of the most extraordinary shape and variety plus there's a japanese style arched bridge over a lily padded pond.
Thanks for sharing a good video. I am a big fan of the series myself. I went to Portmeirion quite a few years ago, the thing that I remember most was you really didn't have to walk far before the whole scenery quickly changes, and lookes so completely different, its quite strange but unique. So from a cinematic point of view I agree with you on how this place lends itself for great camera shots, and can see what attracted Patrick McGoohan and inspired him to make such a great series, there really isn't no place like it. A must for all prisoner fans. Be seeing you!
Thank you. It really is a special place isn't it. And the connection with the Prisoner makes it all that more special, especially when you think so many programmes and films are shot off location (in studios) that it's harder for fans of the programmes to visit and associate with a production. I've been to Portmeirion three times now and I know there are still a few bits to see! I'll have to go back one day. Be seeing you!
As a fan of The Prisoner (and arquitechture) thanks for this great video! As a kid I loved the series location; never knew where it was until today. Cheers from Buenos Aires
Excellent video. I visited a couple of years ago. A magical place in itself. But if you are a fan of The Prisoner (as we both clearly are) it also felt somewhat sinister too. Spent 3 days there exploring. Had a room which looked out onto the clock tower. I especially enjoyed your use of the incidental music. A lovely touch. Thank you. Subscribed. I came here by way of your Knole Park - Strawberry Fields film. Very entertaining. Many thanks 👌
Thank you. Yeah you’re right about the sinister element - especially if you connect Portmeirion with “The Village!” Hey I’m glad you liked the music touch. I thought about background music but then I found the actual music from the show so I just had to include it 👍
Fantastic ! Could paint & write songs there, what a place ! Thank You ! Had I known of this, would have made it a priority to visit, instead I went to Bath & onto Wales, bought a guitar & started writing songs. So inspiring ! "Walk down to the sea See the jewels lying endlessly..." was the immediate lyric & melody after getting to Aberystwyth. Will have to return some day ! Ho Ho Ho !
Habe die Serie mit meinem Vater gesehen .Ich war 13 Jahre alt und ich durfte länger aufbleiben um Sie zusehen...War eine schöne Zeit. Sie fehlen mir alle..RIP N6 und mein Vater😢
I made the trip there in 1998 (coming from the USA) and was also a bit surprised by how small everything seemed compared to how it appeared on TV. The village was also used in the 1976 Doctor Who story “Masque of Mandragora.” In that case, it was dressed up to appear as a village from the 15th century.
That's the wonder of television I guess...place the angle of the camera in such a way as to create illusions. It's definitely a fascinating place to visit though, especially when you know the connection, as opposed to just being a day visitor for a nice day out.
@@TudorSmith Really wanted to visit Cornwall though there is SO much to see in Great Britain ! One would think it's relatively "small" though really quite epic & vast especially the moors between NE Wales & Scotland & am sure Cornwall also has this mystery , Yorkshire definitely does !
It is quite small...the farthest point from the coast in any direction is only 70 miles. I don't know if you're into photography, but I do get about the UK to do photo vlogs. I even did a few when I was in Wales if you're interested ua-cam.com/channels/9bGudyt0OZBzUVDb2Fhwuw.html
Your emotions are so similar to mine, when my son and I visited The Village about 6 months ago. I have been a fan, since I first watched the show in 1968 at the age of 6, (I never caught the appropriateness of my age at the time), and made sure to indoctrinate both of my kids. Anyway, we had many of the same thoughts you had, regarding the size of The Village and how cleverly the cinematography moved things around to make The Village seem larger. I'm so glad my son insisted we make the trek from London when we were on vacation. It is a memory I will always cherish. Awesome video and perfect use of The Prisoner music. Thank you!
I must admit I was a little in awe of Portmeirion. I’m sure many people visit there because it’s such a lovely place. But then there are those who only visit because of the Prisoner connection. Being there - as you’ll have experienced - brings the production to life because it’s hardly changed since it was used for the series. So you can stand there and imagine Rover, Mini Mokes and numbered prisoners 🤣
My first visit to Portmeirion was many years ago & I have returned many times since, the gardens & lakes are also worth exploring, an enchanting place. Thank you for the upload. Be Seeing You ❤
Thank you so much for this nostalgic trip. It has been a few years since I visited. Beautiful place. I purchased a neck strap to hold my carers id badge. All around it were the words.....(yes, you've guessed it)...."I am not a number, I am a free man". Ideal message for being just a number........Ahem!!!.........sorry, I mean a carer. Strange seeing your video as I have been watching over the last few days the great Patrick McGoohan in his last major role as evil King Edward I (Longshanks) in 'Braveheart'. He was the best ever, a total class act. Thank you again.
Thanks for sharing…yes we’re all numbers to some extent aren’t we? Patrick McGoohan. He was a class act. So good in everything he was in. I thought his running in The Prisoner was weird though 🤣
I was born 20 years after the show was made, but I love it! Great show and way ahead of it's time. In some ways we are in the village. The music is brilliant to. There are some great videos from Embers where you can listen to all of the music. I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for uploading. One day I will go to Portmerrion.
The music was composed by Australian born maestro, Ron Grainer, whom among other tunes, composed the theme tune for Dr Who, Man in a Suitcase, Steptoe & Son and Tales of the Unexpected. He died in 1981, at the age of 59.
Thanks for sharing. We loved this. We visited ourselves just the other week (to be honest the weather looked pretty similar, kept looking for us in the back of your shots!!). Thanks for all the prisoner info, really fascinating! 🍻
@@TudorSmith nope🤣 but the weather was pretty awful when we were there too. It is an amazing place isn’t it. It was really interesting to see it from the perspective of the prisoner (we know of the show, but haven’t watched and didn’t know enough to put that forward in our Vlog - out this Sunday), so it was great to see someone who really new their stuff! 🍻
@@PostcardAndAPint well I’m aware Portmeirion is quite the tourist location but for me it’s the Prisoner connection. I’ll check out your video when you release it 👍
The incidental score got the series gives it a brilliant feel like the series did. It stands up as well today as it did in 1967-68. So atmospheric along with the outstanding locational tour which makes it the icing on the cake. Having got the original soundtracks it brings atmosphere into the tour. We'll worth a visit as well as showing Portmeirion Merioneth and being only a few miles from Portmadoc Caernarvonshire. A pleasant part of North Wales and a credit to Clough Williams Ellis who designed it from 1926 when it was called Aber-La to completion in the early 1970s. Be Seeing You.
It's a great place to visit if you're a fan. I especially like the fact if you miss something, you can go back again and again and still discover things. I thought I'd add the soundtrack snippets to get the feel of the actual show. It was on TV again recently and I sat through it all again :-) Be Seeing You
Just Subscribed to your Channel after sampling your Beatles related videos & this Prisoner based one Excellent job in describing the various locations & dates of when certain events took place. Was a Fan of The Prisoner.. I would like to throw out other suggestions in relations to 60s UK Shows that I watched/followed- The Avengers, The Champions of location videos tied to those shows. Please continue to do more videos going forward. Take Care and Stay Safe/Healthy
Top tip!! Go first thing in the morning.. We had entire village to ourselves for like an hour and half, completely fantastic and made for brilliant photos, literally felt like being in the series. Pretty much identical to how it felt and looked in 1968 - like being in a time machine. Not sure when this was filmed but wow it’s heaving!!!!! Glad it wasn’t like that when we visited.. Amazing special place and the best TV show ever created.. That and Curb your enthusiasm 😉. Gonna visit again soon, coz it’s only a 1h50min drive away for me now… love it
I didn’t thing about filming times. I think that was March last year when I went. You’re visit was probably like the episode “Many Happy Returns” while my visit included all the other inmates/prisoners 🤣 Despite all the people I still got the vibe for the place as a filming location. It’s quite a spectacular place!
Watched your video a few months ago after friends and I booked a four night stay in The Village (Angel) and am enjoying re-watching it. We had a fabulous time and you've really captured the atmosphere of the place. 😉
@@TudorSmith It was expensive but we tried to save money where we could. We brought much of our (Aldi) food with us but then I spent far more than I should in The Prisoner shop. 🙄 We were in awe of the place and your video reflects much of what we felt.
Sounds like you had a great time though. Did you go because you were fans of the Prisoner or because of the beauty of the village? I think depending on the reason, the village will mean different things to different people. As a once in a life time visit, it was probably worth the expense!
@@TudorSmith We're Prisoner fans but had never been before and it was great fun identifying locations. I love the fact that it's only open to day visitors from 09:30 to 17:30 and the rest of the time residents have the place to themselves. It's beautifully lit in the evenings and we'd wander round and get chatting to other residents and invite them to see our cottage and then they'd invite us to see their cottage and we'd have a good nose! Met a lovely group of fans who were dressed up - jackets and capes . Great fun. 😃
Wow that sounds great - I’ll have to look into it and make a stay. I’d get some great night photos for my photography channel - as long as I don’t miss curfew - 10pm isn’t it 🤣
Hi Tudor Just Rewatched your The Prisoner Video of The Village. Were you a Fan of the Show/Patrick/ Danger Man. Belated Anniversary- June 1, 1968 was the 1st US airing of the show. I have both Danger Man ( in the US the show was called- Secret Agent Man & the Theme Song was a Massive Hit for Johnny Rivers)& The Prisoner in my DVD Collection. I Enjoyed Watching Both Shows. Thanks for posting this video of the Location of The Village for us to enjoy & reminisce. " Be Seeing You"
No I’ve never seen Danger Man. Probably because it’s not been on tv and I don’t own the DVDs. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for rewatching. It helps the channel (especially if you give it a “like”) 🤣
very good visit vid. saw series iwhen I was 16. captivating. made 2 visits to the village, stayed there once. excellent 'get away from it all' resort,- quite un-prisonerlike!well made, shot on 35mm film, probably eastmanaolor? or Agfa?or early use of Fuji? beautiful photography. - anyone know the negative and print stock mainly employed? DP Brendan Stafford.
Great ! Fairport Convention has a GREAT instrumental inspired by this town penned by violinist Ric Sanders from the instrumental album Expletive Delighted from 1985 !
Thanks for sharing, a great video that brings back great memories of my first visit to Portmerion earlier this month. I was lucky enough to stay in the little blue & white cottage opposite the chess board on the green (Little Mermaid). The weather was hot & sunny, ideal for photos! It's truly bizarre to be among all the familiar buildings from The Prisoner, even more so after 5pm when the village empties & there's nobody else around! Hopefully I'll return again one day as I barely touched the walks around the outside of the village, but it's worth straying out a bit further than the hotel/restaurant by the boat - a few minutes along & you'll find a small row of quiet cottages, including one where Patrick McGoohan stayed while filming the series (it has a black round plaque on the wall).
@@TudorSmith It's quite eerie when it's empty... there's something definitely not quite right about anywhere when there's nobody else around & all you can hear is the sound of the occasional bird! Definitely gave major flashbacks to The Prisoner episode where Number 6 wakes to find The Village is empty!
It's certainly an experience you won't forget! We put some money aside each month to pay for two night's B&B as a 50th birthday treat, but there are self-catering options too & one night would be reasonable if you are keen to experience 'eerie Village!' portmeirion.wales/visit/plan-your-visit
There have been so many videos made about Portmeirion, but I've enjoyed your version a lot. I've never visited the place, but imagined it must look smaller than when seen on TV. I wonder how many people visit without knowing The Prisoner? One day I hope to visit. I imagine rooms must be very costly. Might make more sense to book a place a short drive away and then make a couple of day visits.
Thanks. I’ve seen a lot of those videos and to me they all repeat the same old thing. I just felt like documenting my experience around “the village”. I stayed in Harlech in an AirBnB. £29 a night. And the day ticket to Portmeirion was under a tenner (£8 I think) so a lot cheaper than staying onsite. I wonder though if cost was no issue, the experience might well be worth it 👍
@@TudorSmith Yep, I think you achieved what you set out to do. Thanks for sharing the costs. Definitely sounds reasonable. Yeah, the last time I looked into a room on site, it was seriously expensive and an enormous backlog. Although with the pandemic, maybe there's a new "window" of a chance to get a room. Certainly something that would be so memorable!
Hi Tudor, There is a Beatles connection in that Brian Epstein used to stay in a room above one of the archways and had new wardrobes put in which i believe are still there.
There were some external shots made at Borehamwood studios, namely the exterior of the hospital , the building that looks a bit like a red brick church.
@@TudorSmith London location video is a good idea, the locations are easily identified, be even better if you were able to drive around them in a Lotus 7!.....and stop for a plate of those little triangular sandwiches that Number 6 has in " Many Happy Returns" I think that is my favourite episode, where he manages to get back to London and have tea and sandwiches in his old house with Mrs Butterworth.
Ah yes so he does. I’d also love that find the location of the duel carriageway marked A2 Dover from “Fall Out” where Alexis Kanner is trying to hitch a ride 👍 I wonder where the fun fair and pub are from the “The Girl Who Was Death” episode too.
Loved the beginning really funny I want to go there I’m giving you a compliment you are reallly great at what you do enjoying thanks 🙏 ps. I’m sure Brian Epstein stayed there.
Love The Village having visited many times and also photographed weddings there. The village does feature in Danger Man (example View from the Villa) the houses can be seen if you look hard whilst watching The Prisoner and whilst much footage was NOT shot at The Village its a 100 % MUST for any fan who can get there. The hotel is at the bottom of the hill, signs say no visitors but the staff are always very friendy and its well worth a visit as its beautiful. Do not take a dog - dogs are banned from the whole site which might disapoint if you've travalled a long way.
Yeah on one of my visits I seem to remember going into the hotel. The whole place is enchanting but I reckon that was part of Clough Williams-Ellis’s plan 🤷🏻♂️
Hi Tudor Hope all is Well. Just Rewatched your Prisoner Location Video - was a Favorite Show of Mine. May I make a Suggestion- Dempsey & Makepeace was Another Favorite Show of Mine as Well- maybe you could do a Location Video of the Various London Locations that the Show Filmed. I know that the Show has had a Following since it first aired in the mid 1980s & that Glynis & Michael are well known in the UK as a Result of the Series & their work since then. I figured that there are people out there that would take an interest in such a Video. Just a Suggestion/ Recommendation for you to consider. Take Care
hello ! i'm french and i discovered the serie just a few years ago. that's a great video. Please I would like to know if the merchants play the game to the end and say “be seeing you” :)
Je ne suis pas restée assez longtemps au village pour savoir si les commerçants me disaient "Be Seeing You" en fin de journée! 🤣 Merci d'avoir regardé ma vidéo
@@TudorSmith I am surprised by the large number of tourists. If it hadn't been for the series The Prisoner, I wonder if the village would be visited as much. But it seems you quit the village too, what's your number ?^^
Revisited Portmeirion recently and was disappointed at the way The Prisoner connection is gradually being fazed out. It's all a bit ungrateful given it was the series that put the place on the world map.
That’s a bit of a shame when you consider one of the main reasons the majority of visitors are there for The Prisoner. I suppose the place will always hold a fascination for die-hard fans. Be seeing you!
In regard to ... "Dangerman" ... Portmerion was used as a place in Italy within that series. That is the link from Dangerman, as the idea of the use of Portmerion came came from that series ... and the assumption that No 6 is in fact Dangerman!.
I saw an interview with McGoohan on UA-cam recently. He talked about Dangerman and Portmeirion. It was interesting to hear him say that No. 6 was definitely not John Drake but was more likely not a spy but probably more likely a civil servant who was high up and had a lot of information that was valuable to an enemy.
Not saying I'm a fan of the Prisoner other than I had my honeymoon here - suite number 6 (of course) at the hotel just outside the village itself. (Can confirm they do a wonderful full Welsh breakfast and will stream any and every episode of the Prisoner to the TV in your room upon request...)
It is hard for me to get my bearings, there seems to be more plants than in the TV show. Too bad they don't have those mini mokes for the older folk, they can purchase credits from the shop. The pool and fountain looks much better than in the TV show, the water was a horrid green. I couldn't put up with the crowd especially the men wearing shorts and with their parkas.
Mini mokes would be a good idea I reckon. I’m also wondering if some of the “village” scenes in the series might have been filmed in studios in London?
Any fan of "The Prisoner" who lived near what was portrayed to be #6's home in London, would have had an inside clue as to the ending of the series, as the address was #1 Buckingham Place. NUMBER ONE Buckingham Place. Wink, wink, nod, nod. You can actually see it in the last few moments of the final episode as Angelo Muscat walks into the front door as it opens automatically and the Number 1 is shown.
You’re so right. I wonder how many people caught that when it first aired or had they already switched off their TVs at the revelation that No6 was in fact No1 🤣
@@TudorSmith I wonder if that address was specifically chosen for that location shot or it was just a fluke as it's actual address was number 1? Seeing how everything in that series was so meticulously included, I tend to think it was the former.
@@TudorSmith I'm not too sure about Public Domain just yet: I was under the impression it remained Copyright for 50 years AFTER the composer's Death? I am probably wrong but that was my belief. Ron Grainer died in 1981.
The entire people's OF BRITAIN should be wearing THOSE SHIRTS AS A WARNING TO THE GOVERNMENT WEAR NOT PRISONERS I'LL NOT BE PUSHED OR TOULD WHAT I CAN AND CANNOT DO WITH MY LIFE?.
@@TudorSmith Almost certainly UNLESS...as often happens with old British TV shows, they sold the rights onto someone years ago. Yorkshire TVs 'The Sandbaggers' from 1978, is a complete mystery as to who now owns the show, as Yorkshire sold the rights decades ago! Nobody knows who actually owns the thing these days! That's explains why all the episodes are available on You Tube lol.
Been there in the 90's whilst working around North Wales. Watched the series as a child in the 60's. Good job I was naive and incapable of critical thought! The series is flawed off the bat. The premise is this is all about finding out why he resigned? Yet in the very opening scenes each week we see him accompanying his resignation letter with lots of anger and fist banging. Well excuse me, he might well have been ranting because his trousers were lost at the dry cleaners, but the more credible plot inrepretation is that he's elaborating reasons as to why he resigned?? His acting was excruiatingly over-the-top throughout. Full marks for being the first really surreal TV, but it got worse and worse as the series evolved. As for "Fall Out" ... the biggest mockery of and audience ever! Lol ... Looks like the commercialisation has ramped up significantly? "The Prisoner" stuff used to be fairly low key but it looks like it's now expanded to get as much money as possible. Wonder what Clough Ellis would have thought of it all?
I suppose for its time it was riveting television. I’ve always thought the acting from the supporting case i.e. Leo McKern et al. was always very good but McGoohan’s running skills always made me chuckle.
A New movie of the prisoner shot in PortMeirion using Drones, Cell Phone camera's, (and instead of badges), people wearing numbered mask would be appropriate for the 2020's!
I visited Portmeirion last week and it is so beautiful. The colours are so bright and the village is very well looked after. There were several electrical charging points in the car park and parking is very well organised and it's free. I need to see it all again soon
An eye opener! The Village is a lot smaller than I imagined. Thanks for inviting us along for this trip!
Thanks for tagging along 🙂
Thank you Tudor for your most interesting vlogs..as a 19 year old student I first made the journey up to Portmeirion from Cardiff on my oily bsa motorbike in 1972 having watched the original run of the series in 67. Arriving at the car park which was still under construction I hopped off the motorbike to find myself facing Sir Clough Williams-Ellis himself as he supervised a team uprooting tree stumps..he looked keen to engage me in conversation as I did look a bit of a mystery but alas I was so lacking confidence in the presence of the great man I lost my nerve and slunk away..biggest mistake of my life so far..now at 70 I would move heaven and earth to have conversed with him...bcnu
What a brilliant story. At 19 though, did you know CWE and his connection to Portmeirion? Oily BSA - I bet that was a fun ride too! I’d wonder if CWE was interested to see a ton up boy arriving on the site. 👍
Hello Tudor, yes I had read up about the location and mastermind of the wonderful Village so I did recognise Sir Clough when face to face..a great man and a heroic man having won The Military Medal I believe in WW1...actually although the general consensus is that Paddy Mcghooan stayed in the white horses residence during his stays at Portmeirion during filming my cousin who at the time of filming ran the general stores in Llanbedr recounted to me as I popped in on my way to The Village on my first trip in 1972 that he stayed in a rented house around the corner from her store in Llanbedr and came in to purchase Irish whisky (no food) occasionally..a car used to come and pick him up very early morning if he was filming otherwise he stayed in and put out the empty whisky bottles on the front doorstep aka milk bottles....p.s. above the Village are the woods belonging to the estate and are known as The Gwylt. The trees there are of the most extraordinary shape and variety plus there's a japanese style arched bridge over a lily padded pond.
Thanks for sharing a good video. I am a big fan of the series myself. I went to Portmeirion quite a few years ago, the thing that I remember most was you really didn't have to walk far before the whole scenery quickly changes, and lookes so completely different, its quite strange but unique. So from a cinematic point of view I agree with you on how this place lends itself for great camera shots, and can see what attracted Patrick McGoohan and inspired him to make such a great series, there really isn't no place like it. A must for all prisoner fans. Be seeing you!
Thank you. It really is a special place isn't it. And the connection with the Prisoner makes it all that more special, especially when you think so many programmes and films are shot off location (in studios) that it's harder for fans of the programmes to visit and associate with a production. I've been to Portmeirion three times now and I know there are still a few bits to see! I'll have to go back one day.
Be seeing you!
It is, quite possibly, the most beautiful village in the world. Breathtaking.
(And The Prisoner was the most imaginative TV series ever).
I've been there three times. I always love just wandering around.
As a fan of The Prisoner (and arquitechture) thanks for this great video! As a kid I loved the series location; never knew where it was until today. Cheers from Buenos Aires
My pleasure! I’m glad you enjoyed it 👍
Excellent video. I visited a couple of years ago. A magical place in itself. But if you are a fan of The Prisoner (as we both clearly are) it also felt somewhat sinister too. Spent 3 days there exploring. Had a room which looked out onto the clock tower. I especially enjoyed your use of the incidental music. A lovely touch. Thank you. Subscribed. I came here by way of your Knole Park - Strawberry Fields film. Very entertaining. Many thanks 👌
Thank you. Yeah you’re right about the sinister element - especially if you connect Portmeirion with “The Village!” Hey I’m glad you liked the music touch. I thought about background music but then I found the actual music from the show so I just had to include it 👍
Fantastic ! Could paint & write songs there, what a place ! Thank You ! Had I known of this, would have made it a priority to visit, instead I went to Bath & onto Wales, bought a guitar & started writing songs. So inspiring ! "Walk down to the sea
See the jewels lying endlessly..." was the immediate lyric & melody after getting to Aberystwyth. Will have to return some day ! Ho Ho Ho !
Excellent! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😊 One of my favourites UK tv series….of all time 😄 Well done….I must visit Portmeirion one day 😉👍👍
You must visit. You’ll most likely be in awe as I was if you’re a fan of the TV series. Walking around is like reliving the episodes!
Habe die Serie mit meinem Vater gesehen .Ich war 13 Jahre alt und ich durfte länger aufbleiben um Sie zusehen...War eine schöne Zeit. Sie fehlen mir alle..RIP N6 und mein Vater😢
That’s some cherished memories for you to keep.
Thank you for the tour. It brought back many memories of the show. I watched it when it first aired in the US.
Thank you for watching 🙏 The village is quite timeless
I made the trip there in 1998 (coming from the USA) and was also a bit surprised by how small everything seemed compared to how it appeared on TV. The village was also used in the 1976 Doctor Who story “Masque of Mandragora.” In that case, it was dressed up to appear as a village from the 15th century.
That's the wonder of television I guess...place the angle of the camera in such a way as to create illusions. It's definitely a fascinating place to visit though, especially when you know the connection, as opposed to just being a day visitor for a nice day out.
@@TudorSmith Really wanted to visit Cornwall though there is SO much to see in Great Britain ! One would think it's relatively "small" though really quite epic & vast especially the moors between NE Wales & Scotland & am sure Cornwall also has this mystery , Yorkshire definitely does !
It is quite small...the farthest point from the coast in any direction is only 70 miles. I don't know if you're into photography, but I do get about the UK to do photo vlogs. I even did a few when I was in Wales if you're interested
ua-cam.com/channels/9bGudyt0OZBzUVDb2Fhwuw.html
Getting so many ideas for so many songs, am here there & everywhere with "new" song inspirations
Your emotions are so similar to mine, when my son and I visited The Village about 6 months ago. I have been a fan, since I first watched the show in 1968 at the age of 6, (I never caught the appropriateness of my age at the time), and made sure to indoctrinate both of my kids. Anyway, we had many of the same thoughts you had, regarding the size of The Village and how cleverly the cinematography moved things around to make The Village seem larger. I'm so glad my son insisted we make the trek from London when we were on vacation. It is a memory I will always cherish.
Awesome video and perfect use of The Prisoner music. Thank you!
I must admit I was a little in awe of Portmeirion. I’m sure many people visit there because it’s such a lovely place. But then there are those who only visit because of the Prisoner connection. Being there - as you’ll have experienced - brings the production to life because it’s hardly changed since it was used for the series. So you can stand there and imagine Rover, Mini Mokes and numbered prisoners 🤣
My first visit to Portmeirion was many years ago & I have returned many times since, the gardens & lakes are also worth exploring, an enchanting place.
Thank you for the upload.
Be Seeing You ❤
Yes it’s quite a magical place. I would imagine many people visit for the beauty without connecting it to No6! Be seeing you 👌
Thank you so much for this nostalgic trip. It has been a few years since I visited. Beautiful place. I purchased a neck strap to hold my carers id badge. All around it were the words.....(yes, you've guessed it)...."I am not a number, I am a free man". Ideal message for being just a number........Ahem!!!.........sorry, I mean a carer.
Strange seeing your video as I have been watching over the last few days the great Patrick McGoohan in his last major role as evil King Edward I (Longshanks) in 'Braveheart'. He was the best ever, a total class act. Thank you again.
Thanks for sharing…yes we’re all numbers to some extent aren’t we? Patrick McGoohan. He was a class act. So good in everything he was in. I thought his running in The Prisoner was weird though 🤣
What a great opening!! Loved it. You need to get a prisoner jacket, that would be cool.
Thanks. A PMcG blazer would have been an excellent touch 👍
Thank you, Mr. Smith. I subscribed. Thank you for sharing your visit with us. 🤟 You have terrific content. You are appreciated! Fondly from Canada...
Thanks for the sub and thank you for those kind words!
Thanks for the walking tour of The Village!
I was born 20 years after the show was made, but I love it!
Great show and way ahead of it's time. In some ways we are in the village.
The music is brilliant to. There are some great videos from Embers where you can listen to all of the music.
I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for uploading. One day I will go to Portmerrion.
I’m hope you make it there - it’s a wonderful experience.
The music was composed by Australian born maestro, Ron Grainer, whom among other tunes, composed the theme tune for Dr Who, Man in a Suitcase, Steptoe & Son and Tales of the Unexpected. He died in 1981, at the age of 59.
Thanks. One of the best shows ever.
I utterly agree!
Love Portmerion,as does our youngest daughter,her boyfriend proposed there,.They got married in Shrewsbury castle.two fantastic settings ❤❤❤
Aw that place will always hold memories for you all!
@@TudorSmith Whenever any of us on holiday in the area we always visit,😊😊😊
Thanks for sharing. We loved this. We visited ourselves just the other week (to be honest the weather looked pretty similar, kept looking for us in the back of your shots!!). Thanks for all the prisoner info, really fascinating! 🍻
It's an amazing place isn't it? Did you find yourselves in my video lol? :)
@@TudorSmith nope🤣 but the weather was pretty awful when we were there too. It is an amazing place isn’t it. It was really interesting to see it from the perspective of the prisoner (we know of the show, but haven’t watched and didn’t know enough to put that forward in our Vlog - out this Sunday), so it was great to see someone who really new their stuff! 🍻
@@PostcardAndAPint well I’m aware Portmeirion is quite the tourist location but for me it’s the Prisoner connection. I’ll check out your video when you release it 👍
A great video!! Have been to Portmeirion a few times but not for years - it's beautiful there! But for now, be seeing you! 👌🏼😁
Thanks very much. I need a return visit!
As fan of the TV show I’m watching this video whilst staying in the village (Bridge House). It’s a lovely, magical place.
Wow that sounds exciting; staying there.
The incidental score got the series gives it a brilliant feel like the series did. It stands up as well today as it did in 1967-68. So atmospheric along with the outstanding locational tour which makes it the icing on the cake. Having got the original soundtracks it brings atmosphere into the tour. We'll worth a visit as well as showing Portmeirion Merioneth and being only a few miles from Portmadoc Caernarvonshire. A pleasant part of North Wales and a credit to Clough Williams Ellis who designed it from 1926 when it was called Aber-La to completion in the early 1970s. Be Seeing You.
It's a great place to visit if you're a fan. I especially like the fact if you miss something, you can go back again and again and still discover things. I thought I'd add the soundtrack snippets to get the feel of the actual show. It was on TV again recently and I sat through it all again :-) Be Seeing You
Just Subscribed to your Channel after sampling your Beatles related videos & this Prisoner based one
Excellent job in describing the various locations & dates of when certain events took place.
Was a Fan of The Prisoner..
I would like to throw out other suggestions in relations to 60s UK Shows that I watched/followed- The Avengers, The Champions of location videos tied to those shows.
Please continue to do more videos going forward.
Take Care and Stay Safe/Healthy
Thanks for subscribing. I’ll bet there are many locations for those 60s shows eh? I’d have to restrict my locations to the UK though 🤣
Thanks for this beautiful video. Un saluto da Italia, Be seeing you !
Grazie molte - be seeing you 👌
Top tip!! Go first thing in the morning.. We had entire village to ourselves for like an hour and half, completely fantastic and made for brilliant photos, literally felt like being in the series. Pretty much identical to how it felt and looked in 1968 - like being in a time machine. Not sure when this was filmed but wow it’s heaving!!!!! Glad it wasn’t like that when we visited.. Amazing special place and the best TV show ever created.. That and Curb your enthusiasm 😉. Gonna visit again soon, coz it’s only a 1h50min drive away for me now… love it
I didn’t thing about filming times. I think that was March last year when I went. You’re visit was probably like the episode “Many Happy Returns” while my visit included all the other inmates/prisoners 🤣
Despite all the people I still got the vibe for the place as a filming location. It’s quite a spectacular place!
Watched your video a few months ago after friends and I booked a four night stay in The Village (Angel) and am enjoying re-watching it. We had a fabulous time and you've really captured the atmosphere of the place. 😉
Thanks Ann. I envy you your stay in the village.
@@TudorSmith It was expensive but we tried to save money where we could. We brought much of our (Aldi) food with us but then I spent far more than I should in The Prisoner shop. 🙄 We were in awe of the place and your video reflects much of what we felt.
Sounds like you had a great time though. Did you go because you were fans of the Prisoner or because of the beauty of the village? I think depending on the reason, the village will mean different things to different people. As a once in a life time visit, it was probably worth the expense!
@@TudorSmith We're Prisoner fans but had never been before and it was great fun identifying locations. I love the fact that it's only open to day visitors from 09:30 to 17:30 and the rest of the time residents have the place to themselves. It's beautifully lit in the evenings and we'd wander round and get chatting to other residents and invite them to see our cottage and then they'd invite us to see their cottage and we'd have a good nose! Met a lovely group of fans who were dressed up - jackets and capes . Great fun. 😃
Wow that sounds great - I’ll have to look into it and make a stay. I’d get some great night photos for my photography channel - as long as I don’t miss curfew - 10pm isn’t it 🤣
My first visit back in June good video
Did you go for the scenery or because of The Prisoner?
@TudorSmith both moved to Wales 2019 from Oxfordshire always on my bucket list to do
2 birds with 1 stone then 👍
Such an amazing place.i loved my visit there...in fact I'm planning a second visit...if you've never been go go...its well worth it
I feel the need to visit again because I'm pretty sure I missed a few things!
Hi Tudor
Just Rewatched your The Prisoner Video of The Village.
Were you a Fan of the Show/Patrick/ Danger Man.
Belated Anniversary- June 1, 1968 was the 1st US airing of the show.
I have both Danger Man ( in the US the show was called- Secret Agent Man & the Theme Song was a Massive Hit for Johnny Rivers)& The Prisoner in my DVD Collection.
I Enjoyed Watching Both Shows.
Thanks for posting this video of the Location of The Village for us to enjoy & reminisce.
" Be Seeing You"
No I’ve never seen Danger Man. Probably because it’s not been on tv and I don’t own the DVDs. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for rewatching. It helps the channel (especially if you give it a “like”) 🤣
I loved Danger Man. It was because of that show i watched The Prisoner as i loved Patrick McGoohan.
The shoot angles in the series really made the Village more expansive.
The filming of the series really made the village seem bigger to me than it really was.
very good visit vid. saw series iwhen I was 16. captivating. made 2 visits to the village, stayed there once. excellent 'get away from it all' resort,- quite un-prisonerlike!well made, shot on 35mm film, probably eastmanaolor? or Agfa?or early use of Fuji?
beautiful photography. - anyone know the negative and print stock mainly employed? DP Brendan Stafford.
Great ! Fairport Convention has a GREAT instrumental inspired by this town penned by violinist Ric Sanders from the instrumental album Expletive Delighted from 1985 !
FInd the excellent XTC trtack "The Man who sailed around his Soul" filmed there... on sergeant's channel
Thanks for sharing, a great video that brings back great memories of my first visit to Portmerion earlier this month. I was lucky enough to stay in the little blue & white cottage opposite the chess board on the green (Little Mermaid). The weather was hot & sunny, ideal for photos! It's truly bizarre to be among all the familiar buildings from The Prisoner, even more so after 5pm when the village empties & there's nobody else around!
Hopefully I'll return again one day as I barely touched the walks around the outside of the village, but it's worth straying out a bit further than the hotel/restaurant by the boat - a few minutes along & you'll find a small row of quiet cottages, including one where Patrick McGoohan stayed while filming the series (it has a black round plaque on the wall).
That must have been amazing staying there. I’d love to see the place after visiting hours. I bet it would have a totally different atmosphere.
@@TudorSmith It's quite eerie when it's empty... there's something definitely not quite right about anywhere when there's nobody else around & all you can hear is the sound of the occasional bird! Definitely gave major flashbacks to The Prisoner episode where Number 6 wakes to find The Village is empty!
Interesting. Wasn’t the episode called Many Happy Returns? Now I’ll definitely have to make some enquiries - I’d love to visit when no one is around 👍
It's certainly an experience you won't forget! We put some money aside each month to pay for two night's B&B as a 50th birthday treat, but there are self-catering options too & one night would be reasonable if you are keen to experience 'eerie Village!' portmeirion.wales/visit/plan-your-visit
McGoohan was an absolute perfectionist. It was he who almost sent Leo insane
He was and the show was all that much better for it!
FInd the excellent XTC track "The Man who sailed around his Soul" filmed at Portmeirion... on sergeant's channel
There have been so many videos made about Portmeirion, but I've enjoyed your version a lot. I've never visited the place, but imagined it must look smaller than when seen on TV. I wonder how many people visit without knowing The Prisoner? One day I hope to visit. I imagine rooms must be very costly. Might make more sense to book a place a short drive away and then make a couple of day visits.
Thanks. I’ve seen a lot of those videos and to me they all repeat the same old thing. I just felt like documenting my experience around “the village”. I stayed in Harlech in an AirBnB. £29 a night. And the day ticket to Portmeirion was under a tenner (£8 I think) so a lot cheaper than staying onsite. I wonder though if cost was no issue, the experience might well be worth it 👍
@@TudorSmith Yep, I think you achieved what you set out to do. Thanks for sharing the costs. Definitely sounds reasonable. Yeah, the last time I looked into a room on site, it was seriously expensive and an enormous backlog. Although with the pandemic, maybe there's a new "window" of a chance to get a room. Certainly something that would be so memorable!
You can be certain that if Clough Williams-Ellis tried to build Portmeirion now, the Welsh government would soon stop it in its design stage.
Oh abosultely. Can you imagine the hoops he'd have to jump through to get permission?
Hi Tudor, There is a Beatles connection in that Brian Epstein used to stay in a room above one of the archways and had new wardrobes put in which i believe are still there.
Wow I didn’t know that! Thanks for sharing 👍
There were some external shots made at Borehamwood studios, namely the exterior of the hospital , the building that looks a bit like a red brick church.
Yeah quite a few around London. Perhaps a “Prisoner London locations” video eh?
@@TudorSmith London location video is a good idea, the locations are easily identified, be even better if you were able to drive around them in a Lotus 7!.....and stop for a plate of those little triangular sandwiches that Number 6 has in " Many Happy Returns" I think that is my favourite episode, where he manages to get back to London and have tea and sandwiches in his old house with Mrs Butterworth.
Ah yes so he does. I’d also love that find the location of the duel carriageway marked A2 Dover from “Fall Out” where Alexis Kanner is trying to hitch a ride 👍 I wonder where the fun fair and pub are from the “The Girl Who Was Death” episode too.
Loved the beginning really funny I want to go there I’m giving you a compliment you are reallly great at what you do enjoying thanks 🙏 ps. I’m sure Brian Epstein stayed there.
Thanks Tyrone. I appreciate you watching my videos - adds to the count 👍
It’s quite a magical place to visit
Love The Village having visited many times and also photographed weddings there. The village does feature in Danger Man (example View from the Villa) the houses can be seen if you look hard whilst watching The Prisoner and whilst much footage was NOT shot at The Village its a 100 % MUST for any fan who can get there. The hotel is at the bottom of the hill, signs say no visitors but the staff are always very friendy and its well worth a visit as its beautiful. Do not take a dog - dogs are banned from the whole site which might disapoint if you've travalled a long way.
Yeah on one of my visits I seem to remember going into the hotel. The whole place is enchanting but I reckon that was part of Clough Williams-Ellis’s plan 🤷🏻♂️
Hi Tudor
Hope all is Well.
Just Rewatched your Prisoner Location Video - was a Favorite Show of Mine.
May I make a Suggestion- Dempsey & Makepeace was Another Favorite Show of Mine as Well- maybe you could do a Location Video of the Various London Locations that the Show Filmed. I know that the Show has had a Following since it first aired in the mid 1980s & that Glynis & Michael are well known in the UK as a Result of the Series & their work since then.
I figured that there are people out there that would take an interest in such a Video.
Just a Suggestion/ Recommendation for you to consider.
Take Care
I know very little about Dempsey & Makepeace. I’ll have to dig into this. It could make an interesting video 👍🎥
I think they should have a few Rovers around 😊
That would make it interesting for sure 👍
hello ! i'm french and i discovered the serie just a few years ago. that's a great video. Please I would like to know if the merchants play the game to the end and say “be seeing you” :)
Je ne suis pas restée assez longtemps au village pour savoir si les commerçants me disaient "Be Seeing You" en fin de journée! 🤣
Merci d'avoir regardé ma vidéo
@@TudorSmith I am surprised by the large number of tourists. If it hadn't been for the series The Prisoner, I wonder if the village would be visited as much. But it seems you quit the village too, what's your number ?^^
Yes I think that the fact that the Prisoner was filmed there, makes it an interesting attraction for the fans. I don’t have a number. I’m a free man 🤣
Revisited Portmeirion recently and was disappointed at the way The Prisoner connection is gradually being fazed out. It's all a bit ungrateful given it was the series that put the place on the world map.
That’s a bit of a shame when you consider one of the main reasons the majority of visitors are there for The Prisoner. I suppose the place will always hold a fascination for die-hard fans.
Be seeing you!
In regard to ... "Dangerman" ... Portmerion was used as a place in Italy within that series. That is the link from Dangerman, as the idea of the use of Portmerion came came from that series ... and the assumption that No 6 is in fact Dangerman!.
I saw an interview with McGoohan on UA-cam recently. He talked about Dangerman and Portmeirion. It was interesting to hear him say that No. 6 was definitely not John Drake but was more likely not a spy but probably more likely a civil servant who was high up and had a lot of information that was valuable to an enemy.
Great fun …. 🧐☺️🤨
I enjoyed my trip there 👍
Is it true that Rover is now used on guests who try to skip out on the bill.
Probably...but the guests can never really leave the village 🤣
Not saying I'm a fan of the Prisoner other than I had my honeymoon here - suite number 6 (of course) at the hotel just outside the village itself.
(Can confirm they do a wonderful full Welsh breakfast and will stream any and every episode of the Prisoner to the TV in your room upon request...)
Although you may not be a fan of the Prisoner, I’ll bet your stay at Portmeirion was magical nonetheless 👍
It genuinely was, as I'm fascinated (on an amateur level) by architecture; the village was perfect to me.
It is hard for me to get my bearings, there seems to be more plants than in the TV show. Too bad they don't have those mini mokes for the older folk, they can purchase credits from the shop. The pool and fountain looks much better than in the TV show, the water was a horrid green. I couldn't put up with the crowd especially the men wearing shorts and with their parkas.
Mini mokes would be a good idea I reckon. I’m also wondering if some of the “village” scenes in the series might have been filmed in studios in London?
We were there a month ago. Been a few times
My trip was spring time if I recall. I bet it looks great in all seasons 👍
Things I didn't see in the store. Multicolored umbrellas and a mug with the penny farthing bike on it.
They’ll need to restock eh?
Any fan of "The Prisoner" who lived near what was portrayed to be #6's home in London, would have had an inside clue as to the ending of the series, as the address was #1 Buckingham Place. NUMBER ONE Buckingham Place. Wink, wink, nod, nod. You can actually see it in the last few moments of the final episode as Angelo Muscat walks into the front door as it opens automatically and the Number 1 is shown.
You’re so right. I wonder how many people caught that when it first aired or had they already switched off their TVs at the revelation that No6 was in fact No1 🤣
@@TudorSmith I wonder if that address was specifically chosen for that location shot or it was just a fluke as it's actual address was number 1? Seeing how everything in that series was so meticulously included, I tend to think it was the former.
Yeah I think I’d agree with you on that 👍
Nice use of the orginal tracks. Dont you get a copyright strike?
No not at all. Perhaps the music is out in public domain? Anyway I thought it would be appropriate using the music as I was in the location 👍
@@TudorSmith Yes it is very appropriate I had to compose my own versions on my video at great time expense.
@@TudorSmith I'm not too sure about Public Domain just yet: I was under the impression it remained Copyright for 50 years AFTER the composer's Death? I am probably wrong but that was my belief. Ron Grainer died in 1981.
You missed 'indexed' on the intro.
I did didn’t I? You’re the first person to pick up on that 😊
And it is "By hook or by crook, we WILL" (not shall). A mis-spent childhood (in the 90s, following in my stepfather's footsteps!) told me that.
The Village was the first 15 minute city. Both are open air prisons.
I’ll take your word for that. I’m not sure what you mean by 15 minute city 🙃
The entire people's OF BRITAIN should be wearing THOSE SHIRTS AS A WARNING TO THE GOVERNMENT WEAR NOT PRISONERS I'LL NOT BE PUSHED OR TOULD WHAT I CAN AND CANNOT DO WITH MY LIFE?.
By hook or by crook we WILL. Not Shall.
🤣
Sadly the Prisoner shop has since closed 🙁
Oh no. Maybe they weren't making enough money?
Danger man … ❤
I reckon so…
I wonder if the McGoohan estate gets any proceeds from all this merchandise? Who owns the rights?
I wonder if Sony/ATV still own the rights?
@@TudorSmith Something for research
@@TudorSmith Almost certainly UNLESS...as often happens with old British TV shows, they sold the rights onto someone years ago. Yorkshire TVs 'The Sandbaggers' from 1978, is a complete mystery as to who now owns the show, as Yorkshire sold the rights decades ago! Nobody knows who actually owns the thing these days! That's explains why all the episodes are available on You Tube lol.
I bet you felt pissed off with that razor cut
I really did.
The chessboard wasn't there until quite recently
Maybe they installed it once they realised people were coming for The Prisoner connection?
Been there in the 90's whilst working around North Wales.
Watched the series as a child in the 60's. Good job I was naive and incapable of critical thought! The series is flawed off the bat. The premise is this is all about finding out why he resigned? Yet in the very opening scenes each week we see him accompanying his resignation letter with lots of anger and fist banging. Well excuse me, he might well have been ranting because his trousers were lost at the dry cleaners, but the more credible plot inrepretation is that he's elaborating reasons as to why he resigned??
His acting was excruiatingly over-the-top throughout.
Full marks for being the first really surreal TV, but it got worse and worse as the series evolved. As for "Fall Out" ... the biggest mockery of and audience ever! Lol ...
Looks like the commercialisation has ramped up significantly? "The Prisoner" stuff used to be fairly low key but it looks like it's now expanded to get as much money as possible. Wonder what Clough Ellis would have thought of it all?
I suppose for its time it was riveting television. I’ve always thought the acting from the supporting case i.e. Leo McKern et al. was always very good but McGoohan’s running skills always made me chuckle.
I will not be filed, briefed, debriefed, indexed or merchandised.
Too late! 🤣
❤😂😂😂❤
A New movie of the prisoner shot in PortMeirion using Drones, Cell Phone camera's, (and instead of badges), people wearing numbered mask would be appropriate for the 2020's!
Ha I reckon you’re right. It would be appropriate too! 👍
When I went there in the eighties the shop sold those stickers to put at the bottom of your glass...".you have just been poisoned "
That's cool! If you know you know right?